The African spur thigh tortoise is a uniform color of brown to golden yellow color. Growth rings on each scute appear on the carapace. There are also well-defined spurs on the rear legs, which gives it its name African spur thigh tortoise. The skin is thick which may serve to reduce fluid loss through transpiration.

Habitat:

Desert region.

Diet:

Plants. They do not drink water, they extract it from the food they eat.